The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced on Apr. 16 the launch of an awareness campaign called “Break the Chain” aimed at educating communities about human trafficking and how to report it.
The initiative seeks to address a growing problem in the region by providing information on recognizing signs of trafficking and encouraging community involvement in reporting suspicious activity. The campaign includes social media, digital, and television advertisements.
“Unlike many other crimes, human trafficking is not easy to notice,” said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “Traffickers are master manipulators and will entice victims with false job offers, romantic relationships, or promises of money. Many times, victims don’t realize they are in a trafficking situation.”
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, there has been a significant increase in sex trafficking cases submitted by law enforcement over recent years. In 2023, there were 107 such cases; last year that number rose to 172—a rise of about 60 percent. These cases often involve buyers identified through sting operations or traffickers exploiting children online.
The office is working with Phoenix Police, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Canyon University Police, and other agencies in an area known as “The Blade,” near Indian School Road along 27th Avenue. Efforts focus on disrupting human trafficking activities and restoring safety for residents.
“Human trafficking doesn’t stay behind closed doors. It spills into people’s front yards, bringing drug trafficking, gun violence, and other violent crimes. Residents along ‘The Blade’ live with this reality every day,” Mitchell said. “I’m asking every resident of Maricopa County to learn the signs and speak up when something doesn’t look right. My office will continue to do the necessary work to protect our community, support victims, and hold traffickers accountable.”
Officials also encourage parents to talk with their children about online safety due to risks posed by cyber predators. Teachers and school staff are reminded that sex trafficking involving minors is considered child abuse under mandatory reporting laws.
People who believe they are victims or suspect human trafficking can contact the Arizona Human Trafficking Tipline at 1-877-4-AZTIPS (1-877-429-8477) or submit information online at azactic.gov.
